Typically, Jesus' mission to earth is characterized something like, "Jesus
came to die for us so we can have salvation." But to leave the purpose
of Christ at this is incomplete.
Salvation is hardly ever explained the way Jesus explained it. Jesus
expressed the idea of salvation and eternal life in terms of entrance
into the Kingdom of God.
Jesus taught, "Unless you are converted and become as little children,
you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).
Notice Jesus' teaching in chapter 19 of Matthew's Gospel. The rich
young man came to Jesus and asked, "What good thing shall I do that
I may have eternal life?" (verse 16). Jesus responded, "If
you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" (verse 17). He went
on to explain to His disciples that "it is hard for a rich man to enter
the kingdom of heaven" (verse 23) and "it is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of God" (verse 24). His disciples, hearing Jesus' comments, "were
greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'" (verse 25).
